The Pokémon Company has announced a long-term partnership with Universal Studios Japan to add Pokémon-themed attractions to the Osaka theme park.
Announced in a press release, the partnership sees the companies "jointly explore groundbreaking entertainment that will immerse guests into the world of Pokémon with innovative technology and creativity beginning in 2022."
This is billed as a long-term project, but it seems likely that the Pokémon additions in 2022 would be added to the existing Super Nintendo World area at Universal Studios Japan, rather than an entirely new area. No details have been offered about whether Pokémon attractions would include new areas, rides, experiences or other technology, but the partnership is billed as a way to "develop new interactive entertainment combining innovative technology and extraordinary creativity."
"This strategic alliance with Universal Studios Japan reflects our commitment to continue delivering the joy of Pokémon in ever evolving ways for years to come," said Pokémon Company CEO Tsunekazu Ishihara. "We are looking forward to the day when we can welcome fans from around the world to all enjoy it together."
Currently, this partnership is only between The Pokémon Company and Universal Studios Japan, and no mention has been made of bringing Pokémon attractions to other Universal Studios parks.
The Pokémon Company has likely been emboldened by the success of Super Nintendo World. The Osaka park area opened earlier this year, and we said it brilliantly reinvents and gamifies the theme park experience in our review. Nintendo is already building on that success, announcing that a Donkey Kong area will open in 2024. A version of Super Nintendo World will open in Orlando, Florida, but it has seemingly been delayed to 2025.
Joe Skrebels is IGN's Executive Editor of News. Follow him on Twitter. Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to [email protected].